Detox from benzodiazepines is a difficult process, especially for those who try to do it alone. The harsh withdrawal symptoms often push that person back to using the drug. That’s why substance abuse treatment makes the most sense for those with a benzo addiction. Benzo detox ensures there are people there to help.

If someone you love has a dependence on benzos, they don’t have to go through withdrawal alone. Call us at 720.848.3000 to learn more about CeDAR and our benzo detox program.

benzo detoxWhat Are Benzodiazepines?

Benzodiazepines are prescription medications used to treat anxiety disorders, insomnia, epilepsy, and, sometimes, alcohol withdrawal. That’s what makes this kind of substance use disorder confusing.

Often people think a prescribed medication comes with no risk of addiction. The truth is, many prescribed drugs are addictive, including benzodiazepines like Xanax or Valium. Even if you take the medication as directed, you can still develop a dependence. When someone with a dependence stops taking a drug, they go through detox, which can be uncomfortable.

What Is Detox?

Detox starts when someone stops taking an addictive drug or drinking alcohol. Detox is how the body gets rid of waste products and toxins from the drug. Benzos, like many addictive drugs, also change the way neurotransmitters work in the brain. With benzodiazepines, the affected neurotransmitter is GABA.

Long-term use of benzos decreases the effectiveness of GABA, so it takes more of the drug to get the same effect. When someone uses benzos for a long time and then stops, the brain has to rebalance, which is what causes withdrawal symptoms.

What Are Benzo Withdrawal Symptoms?

Withdrawal can be different for each person, but some common side effects include:

  • Anxiety
  • Stomach upset
  • Insomnia
  • Muscle cramps
  • Rapid breathing
  • Tremors

Complications from withdrawal can even lead to seizures. Detox from benzos is similar to alcohol withdrawal because both drugs act on the central nervous system in similar ways. That means benzo withdrawal comes with some of the same risks, such as seizures and hallucinations.

With benzo dependence, the best way to avoid serious withdrawal is by decreasing the dosage slowly at a benzo detox center like CeDAR. The medical professionals at CeDAR can work out a withdrawal plan that makes it easier. Also, they can provide comfort care, medication, and therapy to help the patient detox more comfortably.

What To Expect at CeDAR’s Denver Detox Program

CeDAR is a comprehensive treatment facility affiliated with UCHealth. When you come to CeDAR, the first thing you might notice is it doesn’t look like a drug and rehab center. It feels more like a college campus.

CeDAR offers treatment options for a variety of addictions, including alcohol, opioids, and benzos. Services at CeDAR include:

  • Medical detox program — This is the first stop for most of our patients. We provide medication that can ease the discomfort of withdrawal. Our patients also attend therapy to help with the mental symptoms.
  • Residential addiction treatment — Our program includes gender-specific living for our residential patients.
  • Dual diagnosis treatment — This is also an inpatient program. We provide treatment not just for addiction but also for underlying mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.
  • Partial hospitalization — The right choice for someone that needs treatment during the day but can go home to a strong family support system at night.
  • A family program — Once a month, we provide a five-day program for families.
  • Outpatient services — Our outpatient treatment plan includes a 12-week curriculum with day or evening appointments.

No one should detox from benzos alone, so let us help. Give CeDAR a call at 720.848.3000 or go online and fill out our contact form to learn more.